Tele-drama-based intervention for older gay men: A manualized approach for practice and research

The intersection of ageism and homophobia places older gay men in a uniquely vulnerable position, exposing them to compounded forms of discrimination. This intersectionality can manifest in internalized homophobia, limited access to social support, and overall reduced well-being. Psychodrama and drama therapy have proven effective in fostering self-acceptance, strengthening social connections, and supporting identity development in both older adults and LGBT+ individuals. This paper introduces a five-stage tele-drama-based intervention tailored to address the psychological needs of older gay men. The intervention comprises 10 structured sessions to help participants explore their life stories, integrate these experiences into a cohesive narrative, and cultivate a sense of continuity and purpose. Grounded in a conceptual framework of life-span developmental psychology and life review, psychodrama, drama therapy, this paper describes each phase and offers a user's manual-type approach suitable for practice and research. Implementing key processes and techniques is illustrated through case illustrations that highlight the intervention's practical application. Finally, directions for further research are discussed. • Presents a manualized tele-drama intervention for older gay men. • Integrates psychodrama, drama therapy, and life-review principles. • Addresses core psychosocial needs of older gay men. • Adapts drama-based techniques for online group therapy. • Offers directions for practices and research.